USA Itineraries: SDWC

WEST COAST SELF DRIVE: 09 Nights / 10 Days (2N San Francisco-2N Yosemite National Park-2N Las Vegas-3N Los Angeles)

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Day 1 : Begin Your Tour • Arrive in San Francisco

Upon arrival into San Francisco you will pick up your rental car and head to the City of Sun. San Francisco is amongst one of the USA’s most cosmopolitan and atmospheric cities. Located on the bay its suburbs are linked by a series of expansive bridges, one of those being the famous Golden Gate Bridge. Trams run major routes along the foreshore and into the hilly heights in a city where quaint wooden houses contrast sharply with the sophistication of modern skyscrapers. Overnight at San Francisco.

Day 2 : San Francisco

Drive to the 'City by the Bay' in sunny California. San Francisco is a city which the locals are fiercely proud of and for good reason. There's plenty to keep you entertained but the best introduction is to jump on a hop-on-hop-off bus tour or book one of our 'Urban Adventures' around the city. No trip to San Francisco is complete without a visit to Alcatraz, so enjoy a bay cruise in the evening to explore the dark side of Frisco. Overnight at San Francisco.

Day 3 : San Francisco • Yosemite National Park

After a brief fling with San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge, hit the old prospectors' trail to the east into Yosemite National Park. There's some memorable eye candy around here, from huge granite cliffs and the chiseled landmarks of El Capitan and Half Dome to the highest waterfalls in North America. Yosemite is also home to some of the oldest trees in the world, the mighty Giant Sequoias which tower above the park, and let's not forget the unbelievable array of incredible wildlife, from bears to coyotes. Overnight at the cabin and sleep to the forest sounds just to wake up to a beautiful sunrise. Overnight at Yosemite National Park.

Day 4 : Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park which was established in 1890 in the Sierra Nevada, encompasses stunning mountain vistas and valleys housing meadows and forests (including groves of giant sequoias) surrounded by high cliffs and waterfalls. The forest of giant Sequoias, the world’s biggest trees and the soaring cliffs of Half Dome are just some of the highlights of the park. During our days in the park several options are offered. Drive up to Glacier Point, the most impressive view point in the park. From here you can marvel at the valley as well as the impressive walls of Half Dome. There are three very different walks offered at this point each varying in difficulty; two of them descend into the valley while the third traces the rim of the valley. In the evening we may also look for wildlife such as bears and coyotes. Overnight at the cabin and sleep to the forest sounds just to wake up to a beautiful sunrise.

Day 5 : Yosemite National Park • Las Vegas

After the enchanting nature soothing your soul, time to put those lucky numbers to the test, not to mention your energy levels, in this 24/7 party town. A-list stars swarm here, although breaking the bank may be easier than bagging your way into their swanky celebrity hangouts. Arrive in the Sin City of America, enjoy the panoramic bus tour to explore the lit strip and explore the casinos. Overnight at Las Vegas.

Day 6 : Las Vegas • Grand Canyon

Leaving the sin city behind (and hopefully not all your dollars), drive to the desert in search of one of the 'Seven Natural Wonders of the World', the Grand Canyon. As soon as you lay eyes on this super special place, you'll want to give Mother Nature a well-deserved high five! Take to the sky on an optional helicopter tour to witness the Grand Canyon's monumental red-and-gold formations from up high. Hike deep into the canyon on the Bright Angel Trail or check out the aptly named 'Ooh Aah Point' on the South Kaibab Trail. From sunrise to sunset the mighty Grand Canyon will leave you breathless! Overnight at Las Vegas.

Day 7 : Las Vegas • Los Angeles

Drive to the city that mixes up glamour, grit and the American Dream: Los Angeles. It’s packed with legends, full of energy and there are loads of things to do. Choose to relax at the Santa Monica Pier, A little further west, LA’s oldest beach resort. Known for its liberal vibes, art galleries and wide sand beaches, Santa Monica is all about the California coast lifestyle. See the famous pier, which serves as a permanent amusement park, complete with a solar powered Ferris wheel. Maybe later travel out to LA’s quirkiest suburb where anything goes Venice Beach. A favorite hangout spot for locals, colorful Venice Beach attracts all sorts of people.  Overnight at Los Angeles.

Day 8 : Los Angeles

Rise and shine! Today you head to mythical Hollywood and walk across the holy ground for stars. Check out the Kodak Theatre, where the Oscars are held every year and Mann's Chinese Theatre, where so many greats have pressed their hands into the cement. Cruise down the hottest shopping street in LA, Melrose Avenue, and one of the best areas for nightlife, the Strip (Sunset Boulevard), with its billboards, clubs and eateries, before getting a glimpse at one of the world’s wealthiest suburbs in Beverly Hills. Get a feel for street life when you hit the buzzing boardwalk, where performers, tattoo artists, hair braiders, musicians and roller bladders gather. Make sure you check out the markets and stalls, as well as the greased-up body builders pumping iron at the famous open-air gym, Muscle Beach. Later head out and hit the town's hottest bars and clubs. Overnight at Los Angeles.

Day 9 : Los Angeles

Next up, the O.C. – Orange County. You’ll join the crew and find yourselves cruising along the unmistakable Pacific coastline as it gloriously winds around to the super laid-back locale of San Diego.Recline into relaxation mode and take in the laid back nature of San Diego. We'll start embodying the easygoing vibes with a visit to the eclectic mix of vibrant neighborhoods around this city, including Balbao's Park for some Mother Nature time. If you have that active vibe in you, you can visit the San Diego Sea World or the Zoo. Overnight at Los Angeles.

Day 10 : Los Angeles • Fly back to hometown

After a fun filled journey, you drive to the airport today for your journey back to the hometown. Drop your rental car at the airport.

End of tour